11 - Yellow Belt

Congratulations on earning your 9th kup (yellow) belt in Tae Kwon Do. The yellow belt is the first earned belt; as you should recall, the white belt you had was not earned, it is simply given to anyone who begins training in Tae Kwon Do. The yellow belt signifies earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root, as the Tae Kwon Do foundation is being laid. Your yellow belt is a symbol that you have truly begun the path that leads to the black belt. The yellow belt has two ranks; first yellow belt, and second yellow belt (indicated by single green stripes at the two ends of the belt).

11.1 - What You Will Learn in Yellow Belt

As a yellow belt, you will refine the techniques you learned as a white belt; your stances will be improved, your striking techniques will be sharpened, your blocking and kicking skills integrated more fully with each other.

You will learn four additional Poom Se. These are more complex than the introductory forms you learned as a white belt. You should be aware that these forms are learned in addition to the forms you already know, ki cho il bo through ki cho sam bo. You must continue to develop and perfect the three white belt forms as well as study the four new yellow belt forms. To pass the examination for second degree yellow belt, you will have to perform all seven forms, and sabumnim will expect to see the white belt forms done with reasonable skill.

To "develop" in this context means to improve in all ways. When we describe these forms (and other techniques) as "those you already know" there is no implication that you know them "completely." This is not possible. All techniques can be improved with study — and that is how Tae Kwon Do is approached!

11.2 - The Yellow Belt Examination

To pass the examination for your 2nd Yellow belt, you will have to perform seven forms, all of which sabumnim will expect to see done with considerable skill.

The white belt forms should be well developed; the yellow belt forms should be crisp and precise - mistake free.

You will have to show each of the kicks you know once slowly, and once at full (fighting) speed. You will have to demonstrate your blocking techniques, and you will perform three, three-step self-defense sequences learned as a yellow belt.